New Member Checkin In!

Hello SRP,
I have been sneaking around here for a few months now, gathering info. Let me start by saying I am a primarily a head shaver (by choice) for well over 15-years (I sport a chin beard and stash). I have used every disposable razor there is (last was the mach 5) with good a bad results. Well (3) weeks ago I ran out of blades, so as usual I went to pick up more. That’s when the$50+ tax for a 24 pack hit me,(blades last me one possible two head shaves, WTG, ATG ect.) I decided right then and there no more, so I pulled the trigger and purchased a razor, and strop from SRD. I would like to thank Lynn for honing my Dovo “Bismarck” full hollow. Now I know what to expect from a sharp razor.

Shave #1
Holding the str8 for the first time was exciting and terrifying, more terrifying as the blade got closer to the dome. Just as everyone suggested I went WTG only, switched hands for both sides (that was interesting) 45min later only (2) baby weepers. I should state I don’t use a mirror I shave the back of my head by feel only. Well the results were the worst shave I have had in years. I’m sure it was bad do to the fact I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but I’m not a quitter so I’ll go again tomorrow.

Shave #8
Well today I shaved WTG, light touch technique, angle of blade, using both hands, and ATG. Finally I had some nice (spotty, still working on technique) BBS skin on the dome. I also started using some pre-oil from Wal-Mart cheap stuff, Poraso white soap, and Poraso white pre-shave cream for AS. I look forward to my daily shave. I will never go back to a disposable!!!

Question:
Cold or Hot pre shave prep? I have always done hot and cold after, but I have heard about cold shaving pre and post shave are there any benefits to cold shaving?

Thanks Brian:rock:

Just want to welcome you to SRP. Can't help you on head shaving other than I recall seeing somewhere a palm held razor that used blades for head shaving. It seemed to be shaped in a shallow curve to sort of match the curve of the skull. I'm sure that, shortly the appropriate SRP members will be along to help you on the ride of a lifetime. I will pass on two things I've learned here. Ask, ask, ask and shave the lather, not the hair. Again, welcome to biggest and most diverse bunch of characters you will ever meet.


There are a lot of cold water shavers that will stand at the barricades with you to defend the right to do as you please despite what another individual will say.

Welcome to SRP!
Good luck on your journey...there are a few "straigh razor head shave" videos on YouTube that you can check if you want, maybe they can help you with your tecnique

Hi and welcome. Hot water is meant to soften hair for shaving and open pores. Cold water closes pores and helps with lifting hair up. Its personal preference and both work just 1 will work best for 1 person and the other the next. Usually for cold shave only cold water through. If you do a search you'll find a few threads and articles on it.

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Originally Posted by eddy79

Hi and welcome. Hot water is meant to soften hair for shaving and open pores. Cold water closes pores and helps with lifting hair up. Its personal preference and both work just 1 will work best for 1 person and the other the next. Usually for cold shave only cold water through. If you do a search you'll find a few threads and articles on it.

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Thanks to eveyone for the welcome and information, is it bad I'm looking for another razor for the collection already...lol. Tried the cold shave BBS. Granted I'm still green with my Str8.






Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever.

Nothing wrong with that at all. Then again I spent the first 3 moths constantly searching out and buying razors. Stopped at 15 though. Moved to hones then

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Originally Posted by Str8HeadShave

Hello SRP,
I have been sneaking around here for a few months now, gathering info. Let me start by saying I am a primarily a head shaver (by choice) for well over 15-years (I sport a chin beard and stash). I have used every disposable razor there is (last was the mach 5) with good a bad results. Well (3) weeks ago I ran out of blades, so as usual I went to pick up more. That’s when the$50+ tax for a 24 pack hit me,(blades last me one possible two head shaves, WTG, ATG ect.) I decided right then and there no more, so I pulled the trigger and purchased a razor, and strop from SRD. I would like to thank Lynn for honing my Dovo “Bismarck” full hollow. Now I know what to expect from a sharp razor.

Shave #1
Holding the str8 for the first time was exciting and terrifying, more terrifying as the blade got closer to the dome. Just as everyone suggested I went WTG only, switched hands for both sides (that was interesting) 45min later only (2) baby weepers. I should state I don’t use a mirror I shave the back of my head by feel only. Well the results were the worst shave I have had in years. I’m sure it was bad do to the fact I don’t know what I’m doing yet, but I’m not a quitter so I’ll go again tomorrow.

Shave #8
Well today I shaved WTG, light touch technique, angle of blade, using both hands, and ATG. Finally I had some nice (spotty, still working on technique) BBS skin on the dome. I also started using some pre-oil from Wal-Mart cheap stuff, Poraso white soap, and Poraso white pre-shave cream for AS. I look forward to my daily shave. I will never go back to a disposable!!!

Question:
Cold or Hot pre shave prep? I have always done hot and cold after, but I have heard about cold shaving pre and post shave are there any benefits to cold shaving?

Thanks Brian:rock:

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Thank you Brian! You give me hope, sir!
I have a straight on its way to me from one of our member vendors. Can't wait! I had some trepidation about shaving my dome with it based on comments in this forum, but you've renewed my excitement.

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Originally Posted by DarthLord

Thank you Brian! You give me hope, sir!
I have a straight on its way to me from one of our member vendors. Can't wait! I had some trepidation about shaving my dome with it based on comments in this forum, but you've renewed my excitement.

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DarthLord,

As a I am also new to Str8 head shaving, one piece of advice. Take it slow, take it slow, I have about (15) Str8 head shaves under my belt (still in the minors). Stroping technique is getting better, razor is getting more comfortable in my hands, shaves are getting better and a little quicker (I don't rush at all just feel my technique is getting better IMHO). Here is a link to a video from a SRP member that convinced me to go for it. Thanks Jimbo
Straight Razor Head Shave - YouTube

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Str8HeadShave

DarthLord,

As a I am also new to Str8 head shaving, one piece of advice. Take it slow, take it slow, I have about (15) Str8 head shaves under my belt (still in the minors). Stroping technique is getting better, razor is getting more comfortable in my hands, shaves are getting better and a little quicker (I don't rush at all just feel my technique is getting better IMHO). Here is a link to a video from a SRP member that convinced me to go for it. Thanks Jimbo

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Thanks, Str8! I've seen Jimbo's video before...it was actually that video that convinced me to buy a straight and join SRP.

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Originally Posted by DarthLord

Thanks, Str8! I've seen Jimbo's video before...it was actually that video that convinced me to buy a straight and join SRP.

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That means we can tell the wife all the money spent is Jimbo's fault....LOL

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Originally Posted by Str8HeadShave

That means we can tell the wife all the money spent is Jimbo's fault....LOL

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James'll just love that when he reads it :). I thought I recognised his funny looking mug on the video link posted. Just about to go and watch it for the first time now. Geez it must be hard to be famous! I'm glad I'm not him :p.


Mick

I reckon I'd be scared of van goghing myself for that, and combined with my potato head I think it's hair for me.

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

I reckon I'd be scared of van goghing myself for that, and combined with my potato head I think it's hair for me.

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One thing nice about the full hollow blade is you can hear it as it gets close :tameshigiri:

Welcome to the forum. I'm right there with ya being new to SRs. I also purchased the Bismarck for my first blade. I'd have to think head shaving is a whole new art form than face shaving with a SR. The full hollow grind does give you great feedback when it's cutting whiskers.

I use to wet shave years ago with a DE and still do from time to time. I'm enjoying the SR process. Still kinda of slow but getting very good results.

Question for you do you tape the spine when honing or stropping to preserve the goldwash?

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Originally Posted by rmagnus

Welcome to the forum. I'm right there with ya being new to SRs. I also purchased the Bismarck for my first blade. I'd have to think head shaving is a whole new art form than face shaving with a SR. The full hollow grind does give you great feedback when it's cutting whiskers.

I use to wet shave years ago with a DE and still do from time to time. I'm enjoying the SR process. Still kinda of slow but getting very good results.

Question for you do you tape the spine when honing or stropping to preserve the goldwash?

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Rmagnus,

I have yet to hone my Bismarck, but I do not tape the spine. I have a red latigo strop that leaves a little leather residue on the spine after stopping. I dont mind because I believe it lets me know I'm stropping properly (spine in contact with the strop at all times).

Also if and when the gold inlay gets bad, I have an excuse to purchase another razor. :rock: